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Anderson slated for back surgery Thursday

8/5/14: Brett Anderson is forced to leave the game with an apparent back injury after throwing a pitch in the 4th inning

By Thomas Harding
/
MLB.com |

SAN DIEGO -- Rockies left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson will undergo surgery to repair a disc in his lower back Thursday in Phoenix, head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said Monday.

Anderson left an Aug. 5 start against the Cubs after three innings with back pain, and the issue did not improve with rest and treatment. Dr. Chris Yeung, a noted spinal surgeon in Arizona, will perform the operation. Unless there are other problems in the back, recovery time is five months, so Anderson should be ready for Spring Training.

The operation is similar to the one Rockies reliever Matt Belisle underwent as a Minor Leaguer in 2001 while a prospect with the Braves. Belisle had his surgery in late March that year and missed the season, but recovered in time to pitch in fall instructional ball and the Arizona Fall League.

The back surgery ends a lost season for Anderson, who suffered a broken left index finger April 12 and missed three months. He finished 1-3 with a 2.91 ERA in eight starts.

Also, the Rockies have not heard back from specialists who are being asked to check whether shortstop Troy Tulowtizki's left hip flexor strain is all there is. The concern is that there also is a left hip labrum issue. Still, the Rockies believe Tulowitzki, who hasn't played since July 19, can return before the end of the season.

Rockies outfielder-first baseman Michael Cuddyer, who has missed two months with a fracture in his left shoulder socket, will join Double-A Tulsa for a rehab assignment starting Tuesday. Cuddyer went 11-for-19 (.579) with six doubles and nine RBIs in five games for Rookie-level Grand Junction.